Nicholas R.

Albanese
Statement of Purpose

nra7@georgetown.edu (512) 297-0583

I regularly consult STRATFOR for intelligent analysis of world events and seek to participate in the 2011 summer research internship. I find intelligence work not only interesting, in terms of how it shapes global interactions, but also important, because it lies at the root of both national security and foreign policy. This internship would allow me to fully explore the implications of intelligence work while simultaneously developing my passion in a real-world setting. Additionally, the hands-on experience of analyzing how geo-political, economic, and cultural factors spark world events would be exciting and invaluable. I believe my interests, skills, and education would fit well with STRATFOR Global Intelligence. I am greatly interested in the work of the intelligence community. I find the analysis of world events intriguing because it impacts national decision making on a variety of levels. This passion is what leads me to read publications such as The Economist and Foreign Affairs, as well as listen to broadcasts from the BBC World Service. In my senior year of high school this personal fascination led me to place fifth at the state-level Current Issues and Events competition sponsored by the University Interscholastic League in Texas. Additionally, in the summer of 2009, I participated in the National Security & Counter-Intelligence Institute at Georgetown University. This program expanded my knowledge of US intelligence activities and cemented my desire to pursue a related career. Personally, Im interested in the work of the intelligence community because it serves as the backbone of Americas strong position in the world. In order to endure as a beacon of freedom and ensure its own security, the United States must have a reliable intelligence gathering and analysis apparatus. Developing skills core to intelligence work in a private institution would provide me a particularly unique perspective about the cause and effects of events around the globe. I am specifically interested in the application of intelligence work outside of the government, as many businesses, such as energy corporations, now bear a great impact on national security considerations. My deep interest in international affairs and background experience in the field of intelligence ensure that I would effectively contribute in this internship position. I believe that my strong personal skills, particularly commitment and leadership qualities, would make me a suitable intern. My record reflects both a deep commitment to personal work and pledge to fully utilize the opportunities I am presented. In high school, I was elected secretary of Student Council and student council representative of the National Honor Society. Significantly, while serving in these positions, I simultaneously achieved a class rank of seven, performed in a Texas-swing fiddle band, and completed 200 community service hours. My time management skills greatly developed throughout this period, teaching me how to accomplish a variety of tasks with both dedication and success. On an additional note, I believe that my travel abroad has widened my perspective on the factors behind events happening in the world today. Finally, as I live in Spicewood, TX, I am familiar with the greater Austin area and have easy access to STRATFOR offices. My leadership experience and deep commitment to personal endeavors would make me a capable participant in this research internship. I am an undergraduate at Georgetown University and will be graduating in 2014. As a student in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, my classes focus on international affairs and intercultural understanding, serving as a precursor to potential intelligence work in the future. I plan to
1

Nicholas R. Albanese
Statement of Purpose

nra7@georgetown.edu (512) 297-0583

major in International Politics with a concentration in International Security, as well as to graduate with a certificate in Russian and East European Studies. I would bring great dedication to the study of this region, as well as other strategically-significant locations around the world. Specifically, my Policy & Strategy: The Pursuit of National Goals in Crisis class last semester taught me how to fully explore the complex dynamics of international affairs. Through the analysis of numerous case studies, I learned to get to the root of issues with one of the most difficult freshman professors at Georgetown. This semester I am exploring more key concepts of international relations in my Comparative Political Systems and Map of the Modern World classes. Additionally, I recognize the need to interpret events in a manner that not only accounts for increasingly strong bonds of globalism, but also the endurance of nationalism. I would love to apply my writing and analysis skills in the intelligence community due to my great fascination with the field and desire to serve my country. Also, my experience studying Spanish in high school and Intensive Beginner Russian in college provides me a basic asset for this position. My pertinent educational background would allow me to enthusiastically contribute in this internship position. I will continue to consult STRATFOR for intelligent analysis of world events as I seek to participate in the research internship this upcoming summer. I believe that the analysis of current events is not only exciting, but also crucial to maintaining the preparedness of the United States in confronting unexpected crises. Interning at STRATFOR would be both intellectually challenging and invaluable to my goal of serving in the intelligence community. Additionally, my love for intelligence guarantees devotion and attentiveness in all tasks, from research assignments to everyday office activities. I believe that the application of my skills, interests, and education in this internship would be of great utility to STRATFOR Global Intelligence.